Articles Tagged With:
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Does Reassessment Before Discharge Reveal Abnormal Vitals? Documentation Is Key
Dozens of times each shift, EPs determine the appropriate disposition for patients. A well-documented, appropriate reassessment can reduce legal risks and should include proof that the EP spoke to and examined the patient, as well as repetition of pertinent portions of the physical exam.
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Can Rarely Used ‘Empty Chair’ Strategy Help ED Defense?
The “empty chair” strategy comes into play when there is a potential unnamed defendant with possible exposure. Using the empty chair defense, a named defendant would argue the liability of the unnamed defendant.
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‘Patient Dumping’ Still Happens 30 Years After EMTALA; EDs Face Significant Exposure
Have you ever heard the question, “What would you do if an ED patient behaved in an unruly manner?” If an investigator from CMS asked one of your ED’s security guards this question, would the response reveal non-compliance with federal law?
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Researchers: Sharps Disposable Boxes Not Linked to C. Diff
A new study concludes that, if processed and used properly, reusable sharps containers pose no risk of C. difficile transmission.
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A Healthy Nurse Means a Healthy Nation
The American Nurses Association is challenging those who wear the white to step up and take care of someone else: themselves.
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Surgeons Prevail: Skull Caps Are Back
A recent victory means surgeons can continue to wear their traditional skull caps. A previous recommendation for surgeons to fully cover their hair and ears to prevent infections has been jettisoned for a lack of evidence.
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Legal Matters: Religious Exemptions for Flu Shots
Healthcare facilities enacting flu shot mandates without some effort to reasonably accommodate healthcare workers claiming religious exemption could be open to a lawsuit.
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New Nurses May Struggle With Errors, Injuries
A newly graduated nurse, or even one more experienced who is going through orientation in a new job, may have a higher risk of errors and accidents.
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Lock Down Drugs to Prevent Diversion
Although it is rarely detected, experts tell us that drug diversion by healthcare workers is a rampant and longstanding problem. Locking and securing crash carts and pharmacy supplies on a given unit is critical to prevent drug theft or some form of tampering and substitution.
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Where’s the Fire? Extend Safe Handling to EMTs
There is a prevailing misconception that firefighters, first responders, and EMTs are young and strong enough to physically lift patients without being injured.